Tribal leaders and educational advocates have expressed strong concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s recent decision to transfer numerous Native American education programs to other federal agencies without proper consultation. The announcement, made earlier this week, details plans to relocate responsibilities to the Department of Labor and the Department of the Interior. This shift is set to affect the funding and oversight of educational initiatives for Native American children and college students.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from tribal representatives who assert that the Education Department failed to meet its legal obligations to consult with tribes before making such significant changes. Steve Sitting Bear, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, voiced his discontent, stating, “This transfer brings no additional support to our schools, and merely shifts us from one inadequate system to another.” He emphasized that the transfer adds to uncertainty and creates unnecessary layers of federal bureaucracy, jeopardizing the education and well-being of students.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe operates a K-12 school that relies on federal funding. Sitting Bear highlighted that the tribe had not been consulted, as required by law, before the announcement was made. This lack of engagement has left many leaders questioning how the changes will impact program effectiveness and funding allocations.
Concerns Over Funding and Bureaucracy
Ahniwake Rose, president of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, raised additional concerns regarding the implications of moving funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). She noted that the shift to multiple agencies could lead to confusion regarding accountability. “When my TCUs have a question, they’re going to be three agencies they might possibly have to go to for solutions,” she explained. Rose emphasized that clear communication regarding roles and responsibilities would be crucial in navigating this transition.
In response to the backlash, Billy Kirkland, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, stated that the department plans to “engage closely” with tribes and education stakeholders during this process. He affirmed the commitment to ensuring that Native students receive the necessary support and resources for success.
While the Education Department has not yet implemented these transfers, a spokesperson, Madison Biedermann, indicated that tribal consultations would be conducted as they move forward with the interagency agreement. “As we take steps to implement the interagency agreement, we will engage with key stakeholders, including tribal leaders,” she said.
The Labor Department has not issued a comment on the matter. Many advocates in Indian Country believe that consultation should have occurred prior to the announcement. Julia Wakeford, policy director at the National Indian Education Association, stressed that tribes must be involved in every stage of the process, stating, “Tribes should be involved at every step in the process.”
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
The education funding and resources provided to Native Americans form part of the federal government’s trust responsibilities, established through treaties and acts of Congress in exchange for land taken from tribal nations. Tribal leaders have pointed out that the management of these obligations has faced instability, particularly since the Trump administration began reducing federal spending and workforce.
Wakeford further noted that proactive consultation should have taken place before the decision was made, advocating for the assignment of education department staff to the Bureau of Indian Education—a division within the Department of the Interior. “Without them, there’s no way that the Bureau of Indian Education could have the necessary capacity,” she stated.
As discussions continue, tribal leaders are advocating for a more collaborative approach to ensure the educational needs of Native American communities are met effectively and equitably. The future of Native American education hinges on clarity and cooperation among federal agencies and tribal entities, emphasizing the importance of honoring commitments made to Indigenous peoples.
